The Cavalry is Coming – Argos v Lions Preview

Toronto – It’s yet another midweek game, this time we welcome the BC Lions to BMO Field. The Leos are coming off a hard fought win in Ottawa last Thursday. Wednesday marks the return of the captain to the good ship Argo with Ricky Ray getting the start under Centre. It also marks the second game of the Canadian National Exhibition. Looking to snap their 2-game losing streak the boatmen need to restore the Roar to the Ex.

Photo: Johany Jutras

Ray of Hope

Ricky Ray returns to the Argos Lineup after spending the last 3 games on the injured list. At the time of his injury the Professor had a completion percentage of 73.7% and had a 9 to 1 TD to INT ratio. Stats are fantastic if we were talking fantasy, but this is real life. Ray is more than just the QB of the Toronto Argonauts. He is their leader.

When your number one guy has the status of Ricky Ray, it’s going to mean something to everyone in that locker room – Scott Milanovich

Here comes the Cavalry!

Ricky Ray isn’t the only one coming off the injured list this week. Greg Van Rotten returns at Centre; Tracy Robertson will suit up beside Bryan Hall in the middle of the Defensive Line; Joe Rankin is back at his DB spot and Tori Gurley will get the start at WR. Getting Gurley and Van Rotten, along with Ray, means we will be seeing the offense at full strength for the first time since their week 2 beating of Saskatchewan in Riderville. (Editor’s Note: That was really hard to write being a card carrying owner of RiderNation)

B.C. Lions’ Chris Rainey (2) is upended by Calgary Stampeders’ Brandon Smith, back, after making a reception during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday June 25, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Rain in Rainey

Ok we used an easy pun. Chris Rainey is a dynamic kick returner, who is poised to break one every time he touches the ball on special teams. I can hear minor ball coaches all over yelling at player to stay in their lanes and gang tackle. In the pros it’s no different. The fundementals are the best way to contain a returner. The Argos don’t need to neutralize Rainey, they just need to contain him to his side of the field.

No Orange Hashtags

The Lions have one of the scariest duos at LB the CFL has seen in a long time in Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill (#Team100). Minimizing their effect on the game will go a long way to seeing success from the Argos offense. On the flipside, Emmanuel Arceneaux (#MannyShow) is a well on his way to having another 1000 yard season. The Argos young secondary will need to change the channel on the Manny Show to limit Jonathon Jennings options.

Extra Point

To take a page from the BC Lions Marketing, we need to restore the Roar into BMO Field.

We just gotta go out and make the plays, so we can continue to keep them (fans) in the stands, put points on the board and win games. – Tori Gurley

With the subpar performances at home the crowds have gotten quiet. It’s about time to raise the volume and the best way to do that is score and win.

The Game Plan

Kickoff:

7:30 PM

BMO Field

Tailgate:

4:30 PM

Ontario Place Lot

TV:

TSN 1, 3, 4 / ESPN3 / BT Sports

Radio:

TSN 1050

Your Game Ticket gets you into the CNE for free! Tailgate beers are still $4